What a great run I had tonight. Seven miles and not a drop of rain; barely a gust of wind; several degrees above freezing at last.
Perhaps this is what running is supposed to be about. Not battling against the weather and the cold and injuries and blisters, but just having the pleasure and the comfort of reasonable temperatures and dry ground beneath your feet. Well into February now –let’s hope that the curtain is beginning to come down on winter at last.
Apart from the conditions, what was really joyful about this run was that my legs felt strong again, after several days of achey, tired heaviness. I’ve had to drag my legs around with me on the last two runs. Tonight they were carrying me along and urging me forward.
I started off with the usual side-ache problem but I’ve learnt how to keep the lid on it. I just have to take it really easy for the first mile or so. Once that’s out of the way I can concentrate on the adventure. Tonight, once I’d got well into that second mile, I knew I had a good chance of enjoying myself because of the mild weather and the renewed strength in my legs.
The only problem was the moonlessness of the night. It was pitch black on some of the smaller, unlit back lanes and I had to watch my footing. While I was running I became aware again of just how fortunate I am to have this kind of area to run in. I might grumble about the aloofness of the farmers, but it’s a privilege to be able to exercise in an environment pretty much free of traffic. I would hate to have to pound the streets of Birmingham or London, amid the noise and the exhaust fumes and the urban chaos.
Tonight, apart from one relatively busy mile-long stretch when 3 or 4 cars passed, I was overtaken by only one car the entire time. Yes it was dark, but so peaceful. Almost the only sound for the entire 80 minutes was my feet slapping the tarmac, and the dogs barking and howling behind their farm gates. And I saw an owl! It flew right past me in the opposite direction.
It was only in the final mile or so that I began to tire, but by then I was aware that my pace was pretty good so I kept up the effort. As I keep saying, I’m not going to take a serious interest in time until 6 weeks before the race; I’m concentrating on building strength and stamina at the moment, and the time can take care of itself. But I was pleased that I made it home in 1 hour 20 minutes, which averages out at just under 11:30 a mile. Having been running 13-minute miles when I started this programme, 8 weeks ago, that seems pretty good progress to me.
My principal goal when I started running casually back in October was to lose weight. I began at 236 pounds, and I’m now 201.6, a loss of 34.4 pounds. My goal is 186 pounds. At 236, this seemed like a deeply remote possibility but gradually it is becoming a truly graspable target. 34.4 down, 15.6 to go.
Breaking the 200 barrier will be a great psychological boost. Indeed I think I’ll throw a party to celebrate. Bring your own water. Americans particularly welcome…
